John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
A woman grows weary of an admirer who joins her every morning jog, but frantically searches for him when he suddenly stops showing up
This story is such a beautifully crafted portrayal of connection and vulnerability, capturing the unexpected bond that can form when people dare to step out of their routines. Rebecca’s meticulous control over her life, built as a defense against the heartache of her past, meets its gentle challenge in Charlie’s warmth and persistence. His humor and openness chip away at her walls, showing how sometimes even the smallest gestures—like a daily “good morning” and a silly joke—can pierce through loneliness and bring light back into someone’s life.
The narrative does a wonderful job balancing humor and emotion. Charlie’s lightheartedness contrasts with Rebecca’s guarded nature, creating a dynamic that’s both heartwarming and realistic. The twist, where we learn about Charlie’s heart condition, is surprising and poignant, underscoring the theme of vulnerability in love. Charlie’s willingness to step beyond his own health limitations just to be near Rebecca speaks to the depth of connection he’s found in her, which ultimately transforms her strict routine into something warmer and more hopeful.
Rebecca’s growth from solitary resilience to embracing connection is especially moving. By inviting Charlie over for dinner, she’s symbolically opening herself up to a life less controlled but richer in companionship. The story speaks to how love and companionship can find us even when we aren’t looking, sometimes in the most surprising ways.
The story is truly inspiring and heartwarming, a reminder that sometimes the people we need the most are the ones who appear when we least expect it. It’s a lovely, uplifting narrative that could definitely brighten someone’s day.
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